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Priest Personnel Announcements
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Washington State Catholic Conference Statements
- Feb. 27, 2020 - Love One Another Pastoral Statement on Civility
- 27 de febrero del 2020 - Amarse los unos a los otros: Practicar el civismo para el bien común
- June 28, 2019 -- The Immigration Crisis – A Statement from Washington State’s Bishops
- 28 de junio del 2019 -- La Crisis Migratoria – Comunicado de los Obispos del Estado de Washington
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Statement on Clerical abuse scandal
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hOMILY FROM cATHOLIC sCHOOLS mASS 2015
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Additional Statements
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Archived Statements
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October 22, 2020Read More
Recent news reports have indicated that Pope Francis expressed an opinion regarding same-sex civil unions in an upcoming documentary. Many have contacted my office with questions, concerns, and confusion. It is not my place to offer any clarification on these comments which I will leave to the Holy Father himself and his advisors in the Vatican.
However, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the fact that universal truths, rooted in the natural law, do not change. Much like Jesus Christ himself, they are the same today, yesterday and forever.
Click title for full statement -
2 de octubre de 2020,Read More
Como miembros del único Cuerpo de Cristo, debemos de estar unidos y firmes en nuestra adoración a Dios, en el anuncio del Evangelio y en el amor a nuestro prójimo. Esto es válido tanto en tiempos de relativa estabilidad como de gran perturbación, como hemos experimentado estos últimos ocho meses bajo la sombra de la pandemia del COVID-19. Con la meta general de la salvación de las almas, promulgo estas pautas para promover nuestras tareas esenciales de la celebración de los sacramentos, de la oración y de la enseñanza de la fe, preservando al mismo tiempo de las perturbaciones innecesarias provocadas por el virus. Además, nuestras acciones pueden contribuir al bien común de la comunidad en general, manifestando así nuestro amor al prójimo en un mundo hambriento de la misericordia de Dios.
A pesar de nuestra fatiga con la situación actual, la mejor información científica disponible sigue indicando que el coronavirus es significativamente más peligroso que la gripe estacional. Es, a la vez, más contagiosa y mortal que la gripe. Es lógico que debemos de acatar las precauciones necesarias en respuesta a estos riesgos tan elevados de contraer el coronavirus.
Nuestras precauciones hasta ahora han demostrado ser eficaces. Hasta la fecha, no ha habido casos de transmisión del COVID19, y, mucho menos brotes, asociados con la celebración de las Misas públicas en nuestra Diócesis. De hecho, hay evidencia, a nivel nacional, de que las iglesias que siguen las pautas de seguridad razonables no han visto que se propague el COVID-19, incluso en los casos en que los individuos asistieron involuntariamente a la Misa mientras ellos podían infectar a otras personas. Sin embargo, debemos recordar que el coronavirus es capaz de propagarse rápidamente en los entornos de la Iglesia cuando no se siguen los protocolos de seguridad. Por tanto, les agradezco su ayuda al regresar a las Misas de manera responsable y segura para, así, tener una vida parroquial más activa, y los animo a la paciencia y a la perseverancia.
Estas pautas se refieren a las actividades sacramentales, espirituales y catequéticas propias de la parroquia. Esto incluye la celebración de la Misa con público, las ocasiones de la oración comunitaria y privada, y la celebración de las clases de catecismo. Las escuelas católicas deben observar las directrices más específicas que les proporciona la Oficina de Educación. -
A Decree: On the Transfer of the Date of the Liturgical Celebration of the Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of LourdesRead More
October 5, 2020
According to the General Calendar of the Roman Catholic Church, the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary falls annually on October 7th. However, in our particular calendar for the local church in Eastern Washington, the liturgical celebration of the Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes supersedes this Marian memorial. Given the prominence of Marian devotion and the special relationship Our Lady has with our diocese, especially under the title of the Immaculate Conception, I wish to adjust our particular calendar so that the faithful may celebrate both Our Lady of the Rosary and the Dedication of the Cathedral.
Therefore, I decree that the liturgical celebration of the Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes shall be transferred from October 7th to October 8th. In accord with liturgical law, the Dedication of the Cathedral shall be celebrated with the rank of a solemnity at the cathedral and with the rank of a feast at all other locations within the diocese on October 8th. The Diocese of Spokane shall observe October 7th as the obligatory memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary as it is listed in the General Calendar.
These changes to the particular calendar of the Diocese of Spokane shall come into effect over October 7 and 8, 2020 and remain in effect for all subsequent years.
(Click on the title for the full decree) -
October 2nd, 2020Read More
As members of the one Body of Christ, we must be united and steadfast in our worship of God, the proclamation of the Gospel, and love of our neighbor. This holds true both in times of relative stability and of great disruption – as we have experienced these past eight months under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the overarching goal of the salvation of souls, I promulgate these guidelines to promote our essential tasks of the celebration of the sacraments, prayer, and the teaching of the Faith while preserving them from unnecessary disruption brought about by the virus. Furthermore, our actions can contribute to the common good of the broader community, thus manifesting our love of neighbor to a world hungering for the mercy of God.
Notwithstanding our fatigue with the current situation, the best available scientific information continues to indicate that the coronavirus is significantly more dangerous than the seasonal flu. It is both more contagious and fatal than influenza. It stands to reason that we abide by measured, heightened precautions in response to these elevated risks.
Our precautions thus far have proven effective. To date, there have been no instances of COVID-19 transmission, let alone outbreaks, associated with the celebration of public Masses in our diocese. In fact, there is nation-wide evidence that churches following reasonable safety guidelines have not seen any COVID-19 spread, even in cases when individuals unwittingly attended Mass while infectious. Nevertheless, we must remember that coronavirus is capable of spreading quickly in church settings in the absence of safety protocols.iv I therefore thank you for your contribution to our responsible and safe return to more active parish life, and I encourage you to patience and perseverance.
These guidelines pertain to sacramental, spiritual, and catechetical activities proper to the parish. This includes the celebration of public Mass, occasions of communal and private prayer, and the holding of religious study classes. Catholic schools should observe the more specific guidelines provided them by the Office of Education.
(Full Guidelines available by clicking on the title) -
August 31, 2020Read More
Rev. Msgr. Brian Mee and Rev. Msgr. Mark Pautler were given the honorific title of Monsignor by Pope Francis, an honor given to priests with distinguished histories of service. Read more at link. -
July 5, 2020Read More
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Faith,
Less than three weeks ago, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, I issued a pastoral letter on the Eucharist. In that letter I stated, “Brothers and sisters, there is no room for division among us; it is our prayer, it is God’s will that we be ‘one body, one spirit in Christ.’” Now this short while later, we find our Catholic community roiled over a video made by Dr. Rob McCann, the CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington. While the subject of the video – racism – is certainly appropriate in the aftermath of the horrific and unjustified death of George Floyd, Dr. McCann’s blunt presentation was interpreted by many as levying false accusations against “whites” and the Catholic Church. This was only one of several issues that his video raised. Many faithful Catholics, whose lives evidence a daily commitment to compassion and justice, expressed their disappointment and frustration with Dr. McCann’s message.
I met with Dr. McCann earlier in the week to address my concerns over a number of statements he made in his presentation. Our conversation was candid and frank – and hopefully productive. Dr. McCann has now posted a letter that I encourage everyone to read. It provides some retractions and clarifications. While his letter answers some of my concerns, others remain. Read more by clicking on the link -
Feb 1, 2019 Dear Friends, Each January as the nation commemorates the sad anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, marches are held, and vigils are prayed. Those committed to the cause of human rights of the unborn make their voices heard. This year, pro-abortion politicians fearing increased restrictions on abortion have advocated for and passed laws expanding access to abortion in the state of New York. Similar attempts have been made in Virginia. Efforts to expand access to abortion, allowing murder of children up to the moment of birth is evil. Children are a gift from God, no matter the circumstances of their conception. They not only have a right to life, but we as a society have a moral obligation to protect them from harm. The champion of this abortion legislation is Andrew Cuomo, a Catholic and governor of New York. Governor Cuomo frequently cites his Catholic faith in support of legislation he favors. His public witness as a Catholic politician, coupled with his stalwart support of abortion, is unacceptable. Politicians who reside in the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, and who obstinately persevere in their public support for abortion, should not receive Communion without first being reconciled to Christ and the Church (cf. Canon 915; "Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion. General Principles." Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 2004). The Church’s commitment to the life of every human person from conception until death is firm. God alone is the author of life and for the civil government to sanction the willful murder of children is unacceptable. For a Catholic political leader to do so is scandalous. I encourage the faithful to turn to our Lord in prayer for our political leaders, entrusting them especially to the intercession of St. Thomas More, a public servant who preferred to die at the hands of civil authorities rather than abandon Christ and the Church. Let us also keep the unborn, as well as all pregnant mothers, in our prayers. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts forever. In Christ, Most Reverend Thomas A. Daly Bishop of SpokaneRead More
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Dear Friends in Christ, As you may know, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops gathered this week in Baltimore for our annual fall assembly. Our intended agenda was to deal with the ongoing sex abuse crisis in our Church. Along with many of my brother bishops, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that the Holy See had instructed the USCCB not to hold binding votes on the proposed “Code of Conduct for Bishops” or the proposal to create a lay commission to investigate claims against bishops. (Read more at the link)Read More
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August 16, 2018 (Originally shared on Twitter) During times of great sin in the world, God always raises up holy priests and religious to call the world to faith in Christ. During times of corruption and degeneracy in the clergy, God raises up holy lay women and men to call the church back to holiness. (read more)Read More
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July, 18, 2018On Friday, July 27th, The Holy See issued the following announcement: Yesterday evening the Holy Father received the letter in which Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington (U.S.A.), presented his resignation as a member of the College of Cardinals. (read more)Read More
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September, 13, 2017 While we are still learning more information, at this time I would like to ask that you join me in prayers for all those impacted by the shooting at Freeman High School this morning. Tragically, Police reports indicate that one student has passed away and others are injured. This senseless act of violence has shaken our community....Read More
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March 16, 2017 Bishop Thomas Daly has come to a decision regarding the governance structure of Cataldo Catholic School. The Bishop's letter to the Board of Directors of Cataldo Catholic School is available by clicking here.Read More
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January 29, 2017 The Executive Order issued on Friday, January 27th, effectively shut down the admission of all refugees to the United States of America. As the violence and chaos continues in countries like Syria and Iraq, innocent citizens are fleeing to the safety of America. I believe that refugees from war can be welcomed to our country without compromising the safety and security of our nation. The Catholic Bishops of the United States will continue to engage government officials in finding a solution to this crisis that is humane and consistent with our values.Read More
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Statement on T. Bradley's Recent Public Appearances
(June 20, 2020) A recent news article published in the Spokesman Review highlighted the fact that a suspended priest of the Diocese of Spokane, Theodore Bradley, continues to present himself as a priest in good standing – using the title “Father” and wearing clerical garb. It has been clearly communicated to the 94 year-old Bradley that he is to refrain from presenting himself as a priest. Bishop William Skylstad initially removed Theodore Bradley from priestly ministry in 1994 after an accusation of sexual misconduct by a teenage girl which was investigated and deemed credible. Using the 2002 newly created provisions of the US Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Bishop Skylstad permanently removed Bradley from ministry that same year. This penalty means that Bradley is not to present himself as a priest, he cannot publicly celebrate the sacraments, nor may he wear priestly garb. The 2002 penalty included the order that Bradley live out the remainder of his life in private prayer and penance. Theodore Bradley was once again reminded of these severe restrictions in a 2011 letter written by Bishop Blase Cupich. After my installation as Bishop of Spokane I took the opportunity to remind Bradley of these restrictions as well.
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June 5, 2020 Statement on Racism
Since the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement officers, our country has been roiled by protest, anger, and unrest. For so many black people this was not an isolated event. In the 2018 letter by the US Bishops Conference entitled Open Wide Our Hearts, we spoke about the sad reality of persistent racism in our country. We spoke clearly that “Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love” (Open Wide Our Hearts, 3). As bishops, we recognized that racism extends beyond personal acts saying, “Racism can also be institutional, when practices or traditions are upheld that treat certain groups of people unjustly” (Open Wide Our Hearts, 5).
For those who seek to act justly, the ongoing reality of racism is troubling. Our brothers and sisters are crying out saying they have not been seen or heard. Our nation’s laws and policies have not yet achieved justice or equal protection under the law for all people. Racism is a sin, it sows division and denies our common identity as beloved sons and daughters of God, made in His image and likeness.
As Catholics, we must speak out against violence in words and actions. Justice in society will not be achieved by destruction or violence. Open Wide Our Hearts acknowledges that for many minorities “interactions with police are fraught with fear and even danger.” This sad reality can anger all of us, but the letter also makes the point in the fight for justice we must “reject harsh rhetoric that belittles and dehumanizes law enforcement personnel who labor to keep our communities safe.”
The Catholic Church has always been a champion of the marginalized, the suffering and the poor. Our hospitals, our Catholic charities, and our missionary efforts all witness to this mission of love given to us by our Lord. I urge each and every Catholic and person of goodwill to earnestly pray for justice in our society, for reforms that bring peace, bring justice and bring reconciliation.
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Coronavirus Related Statements
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Statement from the Diocese of Spokane Regarding the new Gonzaga School of Law Lincoln LGBTQ+ Rights Clinic
Bishop Daly is concerned about the new legal clinic at the Gonzaga Law School. While the Catholic tradition does uphold the dignity of every human being, the LGBT Rights law clinic’s scope of practice could bring the GU Law School into conflict with the religious freedom of Christian individuals and organizations. There is also a concern that Gonzaga Law School will be actively promoting, in the legal arena and on campus, values that are contrary to the Catholic faith and Natural Law. Bishop Daly and the diocese are studying the issue further and will be discussing these serious concerns with the university administration.
Unfortunately, the diocese was not consulted prior to the opening of this clinic. Bishop Daly is a strong supporter of Catholic Education and hopes that Gonzaga will continue to be a partner in the Catholic mission of faithful education in the Church.
Update (Feb. 20, 2020)
Gonzaga University has reached out to the diocese, with President Thayne McCulloh offering to facilitate a conversation between the diocese and the Gonzaga School of Law, specifically looking at the scope and focus of the clinic. The diocese looks forward to speaking with the Law School to find a resolution to the concerns posed by the new legal aid clinic.
(Statement can be found here as well: https://www.dioceseofspokane.org/lgbt-law-clinic-statement)
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October 7, 2019
Statement on behalf of Bishop Daly regarding Catholic Schools and a presentation by Anne McClain:
In response to Anne McClain’s presentation at Gonzaga Prep, Bishop Daly has made no declaration whether the Catholic schools in the diocese may or may not attend. In keeping with Catholic education as one of his top priorities, and valuing the principle of subsidiarity, Bishop Daly supports the pastors and principals of schools in making decisions about school activities.
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September 26, 2019
Prayers for the Repose of the Soul of William Cardinal Levada
Please join me in prayer for the repose of the soul of William Cardinal Levada who died yesterday at the age of 83. His Eminence was the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. I served under the Cardinal as Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese and observed first hand his strong leadership and unwavering fidelity to the Church.
We were blessed to have the Cardinal here in Spokane last year as he led our diocesan Lourdes Novena for Healing at the Cathedral. May God grant him the reward of a good and faithful servant. Rest in peace.
In Christ,
Bishop Daly
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April 29, 2019
Congratulations and welcome to Archbishop Paul Etienne. I’ve known Archbishop Etienne through our work together with Catholic Home Missions, as well as through the Region XII group of bishops in the United States. He is an excellent bishop and pastor; both the Archdiocese of Seattle and Archbishop Sartain will be blessed by his new ministry in Seattle.
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November 6, 2018
